Sealed camouflaged pipe embedment buckle

ABSTRACT

A fashionable belt buckle assembly appears as a single solid piece and includes a smoking pipe camouflaged from plain view. The pipe can be ejected from the buckle assembly, and when ejected, the mount continues to keep the belt tension secured around waist during smoking. A magnetic closure mechanism functions to automatically attract the pipe into the mount, snuff smoldering content, prevent the emission of any noticeable odor, prevents spillage and prevent rattling. A magnetically driven latching system dynamically synchronizes a teeter position and tension with the magnetic closure system so that through a singular sliding motion the pipe slides inward with reduced resistance, seals, and secures the pipe automatically.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/717,142 filed on Oct. 23, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject application pertains generally to a smoking device, and more particularly to a smoking device that is readily concealable from public view.

BACKGROUND

Some people prefer to hide their smoking interest, and yet would like access to perform such interests in a convenient manner. Some smokers fear that their smoking interest could instigate social judgment upon them.

Earlier solutions include a belt buckle that provides a secondary function as a smoking device when the buckle is removed from the belt wherein a person's belt is left unsecured during the smoking phase. The earlier systems include employing a rotary closure mechanism wherein an intake stem rotates and wherein the stem Passageway remains open. In other words, embodiments of earlier systems are not completely closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a buckle assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a pipe removed from a buckle mount;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein a pipe removed from the buckle mount;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment wherein a pipe is partially inserted into a buckle mount;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment wherein a cut-away view of a pipe partially inserted into a buckle mount;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away view of a pipe fully inserted into a buckle mount;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a buckle assembly angled to show symmetry;

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an enlarged view of a latching assembly;

FIGS. 9 a-9 c: illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away view of a pipe being inserted into a mount at various entry positions with associated magnet interaction;

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment showing dovetail geometries of an unassembled pipe and buckle mount;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment showing dovetail geometries when a pipe and buckle mount are assembled;

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment showing installation of the latching assembly into the buckle assembly;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment showing a lower angle view of the action of fitting a faceplate add-on onto the backside of the pipe;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment showing an upper angle view of the action of fitting a faceplate add-on onto the backside of the pipe;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment showing a lower angle view of the faceplate add-on fitted onto the backside of the pipe; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment showing an upper angle view of the faceplate add-on fitted onto the backside of the pipe.

OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the example embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one example embodiment, a smoking device has a base including having a linear channel in a first surface, wherein first and second channel side walls are concave. Generally parallel, convex first and second pipe side walls slideably are received into the channel proximate to the first and second channel side walls. A first is magnet embedded in a base wall of the channel and a second magnet is embedded in a surface of the smoking pipe so as to be in polar alignment with the first magnet. A belt anchor fixed to the base portion.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a method includes aligning a generally planar smoking pipe for insertion into a complementary channel on an exterior surface of a belt buckle base. The smoking pipe is slid into the channel such that first and second convex side walls of the smoking pipe engage complementary concave first and second base side walls of the channel. An intake port on a leading distal end of the smoking pipe is fit into a corresponding seat portion in the base.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The subject application teaches a system that helps smokers avoid a possible social reprimanding or penalty; while allowing the smoker to feel more relaxed about living the lifestyle they enjoy. The subject teachings include embodiments of camouflaged, merging of a smoking pipe within a fashion accessory with which users are able to experience convenience, style, and privacy. At any time a user can quickly eject and re-insert the pipe back into the buckle mount to re-camouflage. Upon insertion, users experience the pipe automatically pulling itself into the mount and then lock at the moment the pipe is completely seated. The complete seating creates a distinct “Click” sound to give the user confidence that full camouflage has been restored; eliminating the need to visually verify.

Through the camouflage merging of a smoking pipe within a belt buckle, users are able to experience the convenience of carrying a pipe wherever they go, in a style that is fashionable, while keeping their smoking interest private. Even though the belt buckle is in plain view, the camouflage design prevents others from becoming aware of the pipe's presence. The subject teachings afford many benefits, including camouflage privacy, instant snuffing of any smoldering content, prevention of any noticeable odor, prevention of spillage. Included is an embodiment wherein a pipe automatically pulls itself into an associated mount through magnetic interaction until completely seated, without rattling, and including a magnetically operated latching mechanism that synchronizes and operates in conjunction with the motion of the automatic pull-in feature.

An extreme precision fit between pipe and mount functions to instantly snuff any smoldering content the pipe may have and also prevents the emission of any noticeable odor, and prevents spillage.

Referring now to the figures generally and FIGS. 1-7 in particular, shown is an embodiment of a system that functions for camouflaging a pipe (2) within a belt buckle. First, pipe (2) visually appears the same as the buckle mount (3) by using the same materials and same surface finish (9). A second feature is hiding key features of the pipe (2). Such as sliding a double barrel intake port (6) into an undercut area (7) of the mount (3), and facing the reservoir (4) toward the mount (3) so it becomes completely or nearly completely hidden during insertion. A third feature is when the pipe (2) is fully inserted into the mount (3), the buckle assembly (1) is symmetrical (30). In summary, the precision fit of two pieces that look similar and produce symmetry (30) while hiding key features is what promotes the camouflage.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 8-9 c in particular, illustrated is an embodiment wherein a user first ejects the pipe (2) from the buckle mount (3). It will be noted that when the pipe (2) is ejected, the mount (3) is not affected and continues to keep the belt tension secured around waist during smoking. The smoker suitably packs the pipe's reservoir (4) with tobacco. Once the reservoir (4) is filled with the desired contents, the user simply needs to places their lips around the double barrel intake port (6) and inhale as a flame is placed over the reservoir (4) burning the contents. As the contents burn, smoke manifests within the reservoir (4), and is drawn up through the double barrel shafts (5), out through the double barrel intake port (6) and into the user's mouth.

Two magnets (22,23), suitably comprised of neodymium, or any similar magnetic, such as rare earth magnetic, substance are implanted into the buckle assembly (1) for the purpose of securing the pipe (2) into the buckle mount (3). See also FIGS. 2-3 and 8-9 c. The first magnet (22) is suitably implanted into a first magnet bore (12) located on the pipe (2), and the second magnet (23) is suitably implanted into the second magnet bore (13) located on the mount (3). Both magnets (22, 23) are oriented with complementary polarity so that each will attract (20) to the other. The user suitably depresses latch release pad (27) to teeter the latch assembly (24) in an open, un-latched position and applies suitable linear sliding force to overcome the attraction (20) of the two magnets (22,23) such that the pipe (2) is ejected from mount (3). When the pipe (2) is re-inserted back into the buckle mount (3) more than half way, the magnets (22, 23) begin to sense each other's magnetic attraction (20) causing the pipe (2) to “automatically pull in” quickly until fully seated against the stop (8). Once the pipe (2) reaches the stop (8), the pipe (2) and mount (3) are fully re-assembled sealing the pipe's reservoir (4) and double barrel intake port (6). It will be noted that to achieve a strong secure holding against the stop (8), the two neodymium magnets (22, 23) are slightly misaligned (21) from one another by a suitable distance of approximately 0.025 of an inch. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that separation distances may vary with a particular application, such as to correspond with attractive forces associated with different magnetic substances. The offset is in a manner that true magnetic alignment between the two magnets (22, 23) are never achieved because the pipe (2) reaches its seated positional stop (8) before full magnetic alignment can be reached. This tension derived from the small remaining non-aligned magnets (21) advantageously causes the pipe (2) to hold strongly against its seated stop (8); without rattling.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9 c, magnet (23), implanted into mount (3), further functions to attract latch arm (26) so as to teeter the entire latch assembly (24) into an aesthetically pleasing, tension induced locking position. The latch arm portion (26) of the latch assembly (24) is positioned and dimensioned to hover above and within the magnetic field of magnet (23) implanted in the mount (3). When the latch assembly (24) is teetered so that the latch arm (26) is nearest to magnet (23), latch hook (25) becomes exposed above the interior surface of the mounts (3) so that latch hook (25) can enter and hook into the latching pocket (29) of the pipe (2) at the moment the pipe (2) is fully inserted. The latch assembly (24) is suitably made of magnetically attractive 17-4 PH stainless steel, but can be made any suitable, magnetically attractive material. Other suitable magnetically attractive materials include iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, neodymium, samarium and any alloy thereof.

The manner in which the latching assembly (24) operates in conjunction with the magnetically attracted (20) “Automatic Pull-In Feature” is an operation of synchronized changing magnetic intensities. Refer now to FIG. 9 a, as magnet (22) in the pipe begins to pass linearly above the latch assembly (24), the attraction of the magnet (22) in the pipe (2) first begins to attract and teeter the latch assembly (24) upon its fulcrum (28) into an open, un-locked position. Latch assembly (24) is suitably fabricated with thicker material on the side of fulcrum (28) that has latch release pad (27) so to present the magnet (22) in the pipe (2) with enough material to generate enough attractive force to overpower latch assembly's (24) latch arm (26) attraction from the magnet (23) in the mount (3). Once the latching assembly (24) teeters away from the mount's magnet (23) and toward the pipes magnet (22), the latch hook (25) dips below the interior surface of the mount which opens up a minimal resistance obstruction free pathway for the pipe (2) to complete its linear movement toward full assembly. Referring now to FIG. 9 b, as the magnet in the pipe passes beyond the fulcrum point of the latch, an automatic pull-in feature is initiated. This automatic pull-in functionality is driven by the now close magnetic attraction (20) of the magnets (22,23). This dimensionally synchronized system and past fulcrum position causes the latch assembly (24) to reverse operation back into the tension induced preparatory locking position at the perfect moment so latching resistance gradually increases throughout the entire time the automatic pull-in feature is initiated and completed. The closer the pipe reaches toward full insertion, the more intense the magnetic latch strengthens and anticipates the moment of lock.

Referring now to FIG. 9 c, it will be noted that, upon full insertion of the pipe (2), latch hook (25) drops fully into its locking position inside the pipe's (2) latching pocket (29) and the magnetic intensities fully mature to keep the pipe in a confidently secured state. It will also be noted that the fully matured magnetic attraction of the latching arm (26) in the locked state is now locked with an increased strength, magnetic attraction; because both magnets (22, 23) are nearly aligned over the latch arm (26) which promotes a locking force of around double strength. Pipe (2) can only be ejected when the latch release pad (27) is pressed hard enough for the latch arm (26) to overcome the double-strong attractive force.

Mount interior is advantageously engineered with a female dovetail (11) design, and the pipe's exterior is engineered with a male dovetail (10) design. See FIGS. 10-11). A precision dovetail fit (10, 11) of the pipe (2) inside the mount (3) functions to quickly, if not instantly, suffocate any smoldering content, prevent the emission of any noticeable odor, and prevent spillage. Furthermore, upon insertion of pipe (2) into mount (3), double barrel intake port (6) and reservoir (4) are both sealed simultaneously with a singular sliding motion. This forms a closed sealed system that supports suffocation, prevention of odor emission, and spillage prevention.

To wear the buckle assembly (1) a belt is suitably installed, as is illustrated in FIG. 12. Along one side of buckle mount (3) is a belt mounting cavity (14) suitably used for installation of a belt. Set screws (16) are suitably screwed into set screw holes (15) to keep the belt secure. Also on an underside of the mount (3) are two female threads (17) intended for the insertion of two male threaded stud posts (18) to be fastened. Thread portion of male threaded stud posts (18) are suitably screwed into the buckle mount (3) while leaving the stud post portion protruding out for the use as a belt attachment anchor. Users secure the belt at a desired tension by wrapping the belt around the waist and then inserting the stud posts (18) into holes punched in the end of the belt located opposite end of the mounted buckle assembly (1).

Thus it will be seen that the sealed camouflaged pipe embedment buckle offers at least the following benefits to users:

-   -   1. Useful as a fashion accessory to secure pants around waist.     -   2. Camouflage creates a private and convenient way to carrying a         smoking pipe.     -   3. The belt tension is unaffected and remains secured around         waist during smoking phase.     -   4. Instant snuffing of any smoldering content.     -   5. Prevents the emission of any noticeable odor.     -   6. Prevents spillage.     -   7. Pipe's ability to automatically pull itself into the mount         and seal through magnetic force.     -   8. Having a magnetically driven latching system that dynamically         synchronizes its teeter position and tension with the pipe's         ability to automatically pull itself into the mount so that         through a singular sliding motion the pipe slides inward with         reduced resistance upon the pipe's initial entry, and upon full         entry securely locking the pipe automatically.     -   9. Having a magnetic latching system that initiates a         double-strength magnetically attractive force onto the latch the         moment the latch drops into the locked position.     -   10. Confident “CLICK” sound sealing.     -   11. Rattle-free sealing derived from slightly offset magnets.

Given enough time and popularity, the public may become familiar with the buckle assembly (1) design. Referring to FIGS. 13-16, it will be noted that familiarity with a single exterior look may pose a threat to the privacy of the subject system. Custom face-plate add-ons (19) are advantageously implemented. This affords users an ability to substitute optional custom face plates (19), including face plates that display custom designs, images, and or literature. This provides a device that is much less likely to look familiar; and in-turn re-establishes the strong level of camouflaged privacy confidence. The face-plate add-on (19) is mounted by cap fitting the face-plate add-on (19) onto the rectangular backside of the pipe (2).

Manufacturing the Sealed Camouflaged Pipe Embedment Buckle is suitably performed through standard machining practices. The raw material of choice is secured into a milling machine of sort, and various tools interface with the material, cutting away the unwanted material and leaving behind only the finished product. A dovetail tool interfaces to create the dovetail dimensions, key cutters interface to produce undercuts, drills interface to produce holes, and end mills interface to produce bores and profile dimensions. Machining is a skilled art form, and the production of the Sealed Camouflaged Pipe Embedment Buckle would be understood by anyone skilled in the practice of machining. It will also be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that fabrication is suitably accomplished via stamping, pressing or the like. Such processes may be more expensive to implement, but provide economies for fabrication of large quantities.

It will be understood that certain details and modifications have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but they are fully intended to be within the scope of the following claims as obvious to those of ordinary skill in this art area. As an example a seal can be achieved through several methods, and not just through a magnetically attracted (20) sliding dovetail (10, 11) design. The pipe can also be sealed through snapping the pipe into the mount, or twisting the pipe into the mount. In each embodiment, seal-ability creates beneficial performance features noted earlier. In another example, various materials are suitably used in connection with in which the buckle assembly. Stainless steel and titanium are amongst the healthier metal materials from which to smoke. However any suitable structural material is suitably used without compromising the sealing technologies and benefits mentioned herein. Other suitable structural materials include Iron, Cobalt, Zinc, Chromium, Vanadium, Aluminum, Nickel, Silver, Gold, Rhodium, Zirconium, Scandium, Molybdenum, Copper, and any alloy thereof. In addition, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that fabrication is suitably accomplished by any heat/fire impervious materials, such as ceramics, specialized polymers, glass or crystalline materials that are suitably shaped or molded in accordance with the forgoing. 

It is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a base including having a linear channel in a first surface thereof, wherein first and second channel side walls are concave; a smoking pipe having generally parallel, convex first and second pipe side walls slideably received into the channel proximate to the first and second channel side walls; a first magnet embedded in a base wall of the channel; a second magnet embedded in a surface of the smoking pipe such that a pole thereof is generally aligned with an complementary pole of the first magnet; and a belt anchor fixed to the base portion.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the smoking pipe includes at least one intake port on a distal wall generally perpendicular to the first and second pipe side walls, and enclosed within a seat portion of the base portion disposed between the first and second channel side walls.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an exterior surface of the base is generally parallel with an exterior surface of the smoking pipe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a latch pivotally secured to a fulcrum affixed to a second base surface, the latch having a release pad at a first end thereof and a latch hook on an second end thereof opposite the first end, and wherein the latch hook is disposed in the channel and extending into a latching pocket on a surface of the pipe.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the release pad is magnetically attracted to the second magnet.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a decorative faceplate affixed to the exterior surface of the smoking pipe.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a decorative faceplate removeably affixed an exterior surface of the base.
 8. A method comprising: aligning a generally planar smoking pipe for insertion into a complementary channel on an exterior surface of a belt buckle base; sliding the smoking pipe into the channel such that first and second convex side walls of the smoking pipe engage complementary concave first and second base side walls of the channel; and sliding an intake port on a leading distal end of the smoking pipe into a corresponding seat portion in the base.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of sliding includes the step of urging a magnet affixed to a surface of the smoking pipe toward a complementary magnet affixed to a surface of the channel so as to place them in proximity such that magnetic interaction between the magnets completes the sliding.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of sliding includes the step engaging a latch the smoking pipe to the base.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of sliding includes the step of placing a first end of the latch so as to initiate a mechanical action of the latch.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: depressing a second end of the latch to release the pipe from the base; and sliding the smoking pipe out of the channel such that the first and second convex side walls of the smoking pipe disengage the first and second side walls of the channel.
 13. The method of claim 8 further comprising affixing a decorative member to a surface of the belt buckle.
 14. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of affixing a decorative member to a surface of the smoking pipe.
 15. The method of claim 8 further comprising affixing the base member to a belt.
 16. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of sliding includes sealing the smoking against the base so as to impede airflow to an interior of the pipe.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of sliding the smoking pipe out of the channel includes retracting a latch into the base.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of sliding the smoking pipe out of the channel includes retracting the latch into the base in accordance with magnetic interaction with the magnet affixed to the channel.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a base including having a linear channel in a first surface thereof, wherein first and second channel side walls are concave; a smoking pipe having generally parallel, convex first and second pipe side walls slideably received into the channel proximate to the first and second channel side walls; a first magnet embedded in a base wall of the channel; wherein the smoking pipe includes at least one intake port on a distal wall generally perpendicular to the first and second pipe side walls, and enclosed within a seat portion of the base portion disposed between the first and second channel side walls such that an exterior surface of the base is generally parallel with an exterior surface of the smoking pipe; a second magnet embedded in a surface of the smoking pipe such that a pole thereof is generally aligned with an complementary pole of the first magnet; and a belt anchor fixed to the base portion; a latch pivotally secured to a fulcrum affixed to a base surface, the latch having a release pad at a first end thereof and a latch hook on a second end thereof opposite the first end, and wherein the latch hook is disposed in the channel and extending into a latching pocket on a surface of the pipe.
 20. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a decorative faceplate removeably affixed to an exterior surface of the smoking pipe. 